CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2027 Application Guide: Eligibility, CV and Reference Letter

Last updated: November 6, 2026

Preparing a successful CEPS Climate Leadership Programme application requires evidence of genuine climate engagement, a clearly defined initiative and complete supporting documents.

The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), with support from Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, is selecting eight young climate leaders aged 20–30 for its 2026–2027 programme.

Participants complete mandatory online training from December 2026 to February 2027, followed by a funded programme in Brussels from February 28 to March 6, 2027.

The organizers cover travel, visa and accommodation expenses for the Brussels week.

Application deadline: November 10, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

This guide explains the eligibility rules, document preparation and submission process.

CEPS Climate Leadership Application Requirements

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

CEPS seeks young people who are already active in climate policy, environmental advocacy or green entrepreneurship.

Applicants should demonstrate more than a general interest in sustainability.

Relevant backgrounds may include:

• Community environmental campaigns.
• Climate policy research.
• Renewable energy advocacy.
• Youth climate organizations.
• Environmental entrepreneurship.
• Sustainable development projects.
• Public awareness initiatives.

Applicants must also be available for the full online and in-person programme.

Do You Need a University Degree?

No specific degree requirement is listed.

Students, graduates and young professionals may apply if they satisfy the age and experience requirements.

Can Applicants From Any Country Apply?

Yes.

CEPS welcomes candidates worldwide and particularly encourages applications from selected countries, including Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia.

Being from a priority country does not guarantee selection.

2. Prepare a Specific Climate Initiative

Applicants must bring a clear initiative connected to climate action.

The official call gives three examples:

• A policy proposal.
• An advocacy campaign.
• An entrepreneurial venture.

A strong application should explain what the initiative addresses and how the applicant contributes to it.

Questions to Consider

Before completing the written questionnaire, identify:

1. The climate problem you are addressing.
2. The community or sector affected.
3. The initiative’s main objective.
4. Your personal responsibilities.
5. Activities already undertaken.
6. Results achieved or realistic expected outcomes.
7. How the programme could help develop the initiative.

These questions are preparation suggestions, not a claimed list of mandatory CEPS form questions.

Should the Initiative Already Exist?

The programme specifically targets applicants already engaged in climate action.

A clear proposal can be relevant, but applicants should demonstrate credible experience and readiness to act.

Avoid presenting an entirely hypothetical interest as an established project.

3. Prepare Your English CV

CEPS requires an up-to-date CV in English.

The announcement does not prescribe a maximum number of pages.

Recommended CV Sections

• Education and relevant training.
• Professional or volunteer experience.
• Climate projects and initiatives.
• Leadership responsibilities.
• Policy, communication or research skills.
• Relevant publications or achievements.
• Language proficiency.

How to Present Climate Experience

Describe your real responsibilities rather than relying on broad statements.

For instance, explain whether you helped organize an environmental campaign, researched a local climate problem or supported a sustainability initiative.

Include measurable results only when you can substantiate them.

The goal is to demonstrate meaningful experience.

4. Obtain a Reference Letter

The application requires one reference letter in English.

The official call does not specify that the referee must be a university professor or employer.

Choose someone who knows your climate work and can describe it accurately.

Suitable referees may include a project supervisor, organizational coordinator or academic mentor familiar with your activities.

What Should the Letter Address?

A useful letter may explain:

• How the referee knows you.
• Your responsibilities in climate initiatives.
• Your reliability and communication skills.
• Your contributions to a team or community.
• Your suitability for an international leadership programme.

These are recommended topics rather than a prescribed CEPS letter template.

Request the letter early enough to receive it before the deadline.

5. Complete the Written Application Questionnaire

CEPS requires a completed online questionnaire.

Applicants should prepare accurate responses about their backgrounds, experience and climate initiatives.

What Makes Strong Application Responses?

Focus on specificity and relevance.

Explain the actual problem your initiative addresses, what you have done and what you hope to develop.

When discussing the programme, connect your goals to its training topics:

• EU climate governance.
• Climate diplomacy.
• Policy writing.
• Communication and advocacy.

Avoid generic statements that could apply to any leadership programme.

The organizing institutions are interested in applicants who can use the knowledge in their existing climate activities.

6. Show Why the Brussels Programme Matters

The in-person component takes place from February 28 to March 6, 2027.

Participants attend professional activities and CEPS Ideas Lab on March 4–5.

When explaining your motivation, consider how exposure to European climate policymaking could support your own work.

You might identify a specific policy skill, communication challenge or governance issue relevant to your initiative.

Do not claim that the programme guarantees meetings with particular officials or organizations.

7. How to Submit the CEPS Application

The application requires two separate submissions.

Step 1: Complete the Online Questionnaire

Access the official form:

CEPS Climate Leadership Application Questionnaire

Complete the requested information and written responses.

Step 2: Email Your Supporting Documents

Send your English CV and reference letter to:

internship.erc@ceps.eu

Use the email subject:

Climate Leadership Programme – Full Name

Replace Full Name with your actual full name.

Step 3: Verify Your Submission

Confirm that:

• The online questionnaire was completed.
• The CV was attached.
• The reference letter was attached.
• The email address is correct.
• The subject line follows CEPS instructions.
• Both steps were completed before the deadline.

Important: Completing only the questionnaire or sending only the email is insufficient. CEPS reviews complete applications only.

8. Application Deadline and Timeline

Applicants should submit well before the deadline to avoid missing the closing time.

9. Selection and Participation Expectations

Only eight participants will be selected.

CEPS does not publish a numerical scoring system, but its eligibility requirements emphasize:

• Existing involvement in climate action.
• A specific initiative.
• Good English communication skills.
• Availability for all activities.
• Relevant experience and motivation.

The programme seeks a diverse and gender-balanced group.

Is Online Training Optional?

No.

Completing the online phase is required before participating in Brussels.

Will Travel Costs Be Covered?

Yes. The programme covers travel, visa and accommodation for the Brussels week.

A cash stipend or daily allowance is not specified.

Common Application Mistakes

Avoid:

• Applying outside the 20–30 age range.
• Describing only a general interest in climate change.
• Failing to identify a specific initiative.
• Exaggerating project achievements.
• Submitting a generic CV.
• Choosing a referee unfamiliar with your work.
• Submitting documents in a language other than English.
• Completing the questionnaire without emailing the documents.
• Using an incorrect email subject.
• Ignoring mandatory online attendance.
• Assuming meals or personal expenses are fully covered.
• Missing the November 10 deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Previous Climate Experience Necessary?

Yes. CEPS seeks applicants already engaged in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship.

Do I Need IELTS?

No formal IELTS requirement is published, but a good command of English is necessary.

Can I Apply Without a University Degree?

Yes. No particular degree is specified.

Is the Reference Letter Mandatory?

Yes. One English-language reference letter is required.

Can I Submit Only the Online Form?

No. You must also email your CV and reference letter.

Can Students From Non-Priority Countries Apply?

Yes. The programme is open worldwide.

Are All Expenses Covered?

Travel, visa and accommodation for Brussels are covered. Other costs are not specifically guaranteed.

Final Application Checklist

Before submitting:

• Confirm you meet the age requirement.
• Identify your climate initiative.
• Explain your experience accurately.
• Prepare your English CV.
• Obtain your reference letter.
• Complete the online questionnaire.
• Email both supporting documents.
• Use the correct subject line.
• Confirm your availability for both programme phases.
• Submit by November 10, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

Conclusion

A competitive CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2027 application should demonstrate genuine climate experience, a specific initiative and readiness for international policy training.

With only eight places available, applicants should focus on clear evidence of their contributions and follow the two-step submission process carefully.

The deadline is November 10, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

Official Sources

• CEPS — Climate Leadership Programme Application
• CEPS — Ideas Lab
• Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung — European Union | Global Dialogue
• Official Application Questionnaire